Childhood house fires have made me a bit zealous on that bit regarding heaters left alone and all. I look back and wonder how ANY of us makes it through - as teens or as parents of teens.
Things I have found surprizingly effective.
If they were crabby, uncivil, (at their worst stage, swearing, back talking, etc.) obviously, they weren't getting enough sleep. Off to bed a half hour earlier! Arguing just proved my point - say, you must really need extra sleep as arguementative as you are! Lights off, electronics off, etc.
In high school, which was a 3 -4 mile, safer walk than is usual around here - well, better start walking. Earlier, well, see above.
My DS went through a stage with very strong cologne/scents. I once found 3 tubes of the AXE junk in his bookbag. Tried many things. "If I can smell it 3 feet away, too strong, take a shower". Had to graduate to "If you come home smelling like that, I will assume you are covering up pot or alcohol and punish you accordingly." That last one worked. In fact, alot of the things worked much better when my health improved to the point I could make what I say stick. But I wander...
We did a trip to the ER room on a busy night just so my soon to drive teens could observe. I would like to add to that measure, some time spent in the local traffic court observing. It made quite an impact on my teens, but alas, they were also appearing in front of the judge. Very sobering, small town judges are serious stuff.
